Canadian boat operators card?

[REW]

I was just reading where it appears that since Sept 2009 - that any boat operator that is operating in Canadian waters must have an Operators card in posession?

http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/

I am planning on going up for our normal spring trip and haden't heard about this before.

Is this requirement real, and does everyone else have their card to operate in Canadian waters?

REW

[REW]

Note:
When I read further, it appears that the boating card is only required if a non canadian is boating in Canada for 45 consecutive days.

So, if a person was going up for up to a month and a half, it appears that a card is not necessary.

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Q. What if I don’t live in Canada, but boat there?

A. Non-residents only need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card if they are operating their powered boat in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days or if the boat they are operating is registered or licensed in Canada (this includes rented boats). Boater Education Cards or equivalent certifications are recognized in Canada. Proper identification should be kept on board at all times to provide proof of residency.

Take care
REW

[Boatnut]

REW,
sounds like if you've taken a "safe boating course" in the states, thru CG auxillary, power squadron etc. , then that may suffice as long as you have proof you took the course and passed?

[weatherman]

If you are a Canuck, you need the card .. if you are a visitor, you don't. The way this program is being run, it's a typical pile of political barnyard frizzbies brought in by a previous Liberal govt as a way of generating revenue, of keeping a federal dept alive in an effort to restrict recreational usage of the out doors (non-revenue)...with that being said, get a card, it can be obtained on-line. Make sure you also have your boat registration with you - you know that little piece of paper the Canuck gov't issues when you register the boat and which deterioates with moisture.

It is a pile. The card can be obtained for $25 from the Red Cross on line. You still have to study and know basics which is a help for some who have no clue. The card is for life. One of the questions put forward by our group is if you get a DUI do you loose your boat privileges. The original intent of the licence thing was to stop the large amount of drowning and death with PWCs. At the time there was nothing that prevented an 8 year old from driving a 6oMPH+ PWC. Someone thought it would be a good idea to do this to everyone. Stay tuned for round 2 when there will be fees.

Originally Posted by weatherman

If you are a Canuck, you need the card .. if you are a visitor, you don't. The way this program is being run, it's a typical pile of political barnyard frizzbies brought in by a previous Liberal govt as a way of generating revenue, of keeping a federal dept alive in an effort to restrict recreational usage of the out doors (non-revenue)...with that being said, get a card, it can be obtained on-line. Make sure you also have your boat registration with you - you know that little piece of paper the Canuck gov't issues when you register the boat and which deterioates with moisture.